Memory disorders

Information about memory disorders from leading Australian health organisations, including links to content on memory loss and amnesia.

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Worried about your memory or dementia?

You might be worried that you or a family member has dementia. Learn the early signs of dementia and how to raise concerns with your doctor.

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Amnesia

Amnesia is loss of memory that’s usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent. Learn more about its causes and ways to live with amnesia.

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Encephalopathy

An encephalopathy refers to any disturbance of the brain's functioning that leads to problems like confusion and memory loss. Read more here.

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Dementia – an overview

Dementia is a disease that affects one’s memory, thinking and behaviour. There is no cure but early intervention can improve quality of life.

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Cognitive impairment

Cognitive impairment can cause problems with a person's thinking, communication, understanding or memory. You can find out more by reading our trusted partner pages.

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Tests used in diagnosing dementia

Doctors diagnose dementia using a number of different tests, including physical and neurological examination, cognitive tests, X - Rays and scans.

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Frontotemporal dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects the parts of the brain controlling personality, behaviour and language. Learn about how to manage FTD symptoms.

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Memory aids in the home and dementia

Trusted information about dementia and memory aids in the home, including how to help the person with dementia feel safe, comfortable and independent

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Is 'baby brain' real?

Researchers at Deakin University who investigated 'baby brain' found that cognitive function and memory are affected in the third trimester of pregnancy.

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Dementia and driving

Dementia can affect your memory, concentration, judgement and vision, which makes driving a car difficult. Learn more about dementia and driving, and when you may need to stop.

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Lewy body disease

Lewy body disease causes abnormal protein clumps in the brain that affect memory, thinking, movement and behaviour, and cause a progressive dementia.

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Mindfulness

Research shows that mindfulness – focusing on the present – can improve memory and reduce stress, and it’s a technique that anyone can practise.

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Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease affects brain function, memory and behaviour. Learn about the symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and how to delay its onset.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Someone with PTSD experiences long-term fear, anxiety and memories of trauma that interfere with their ability to function. Here are symptoms, causes and treatment for PTSD.

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Blackouts

A blackout is a temporary loss of consciousness. A common cause of a blackout is fainting, but can be caused by a serious health condition. Treatment will depend on the cause of your blackout. Learn more here.

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Central nervous system (CNS)

Your central nervous system (CNS) is made up of your brain and your spinal cord. Learn more about its role and the different parts of the brain.

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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for some severe mental health conditions that are considered life threatening. Find out more here.

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Dissociative identity disorder

Dissociative identity disorder, previously known as multiple personality disorder, causes people to feel as though they have multiple distinct personalities.

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Delirium and dementia

People who have dementia are at a higher risk of developing delirium. Delirium is a more sudden change in consciousness or thinking that can often be prevented or treated. Find out more by reading our trusted partner pages.

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Smart ways to keep your brain healthy and sharp

Mental decline starts before age 40. Here are smart ways to keep your brain healthy and help protect your brain against degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

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Everyday tasks and dementia

Trusted information about caring for someone with dementia, including how to support them in everyday tasks such as shopping, setting the table or gardening

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Exercise and mental health

Cardiovascular activity is good for your body, reducing the risk of illness and disease. It’s also good for your mind, because exercise helps pump blood to the brain.

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Living with dementia

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be difficult. At first, you may not notice anything different, but over time dementia can make it more challenging for you to complete everyday tasks.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and dementia

Find out more about dementia and how it affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from Mark Wenitong, one of Australia's longest standing and respected indigenous doctors.

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Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia develops due to problems with the blood’s circulation to the brain. Find out about the types, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

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How is dementia diagnosed? - video transcript

How is dementia diagnosed? - video transcript

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Nervous system

Your nervous system controls much of what your body does including walking, speaking and other activities. Learn more about how it works.

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Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) may be used as a screening test for cognitive impairment, such as dementia. Learn more about the test here.

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Agnosia

This is a rare condition caused by damage to parts of the brain. Symptoms include difficulty recognising objects, people, sounds or smells.

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